For any new archer who is thinking about getting into archery, the seemingly simple task of choosing the best compound bows from among the many manufacturer’s, brands, and models on the market can be a daunting task, to say the least!
But, if a prospective archer was to first look at bow manufacturer’s web sites such as Bowtech, Mathews, and Precision Shooting Equipment (PSE), then they might very well decide to give up on the sport before ever getting started due to today’s excessively high prices for top of the line compound bows.
In fact, most novice archers are specifically looking for a moderately priced compound bow that, while it may not have all of the fancy features of a top of the line compound bow, will still perform well and shoot accurately. Therefore, below you will find five compound bows that all have MSRP’s under $100 and which are all manufactured by well-known bow manufacturers.
Plus, each bow and is constructed from high-quality materials and, some of them even incorporate some of the technologies used on their more expensive cousins. Thus, all five bows meet the criteria of a moderately priced compound bow that will perform well and shoot accurately.
What To Look For In A Compound Bow
When looking for a great compound bow, consider the following factors:
- Draw weight: The amount of force required to draw the bowstring back to its full length.
- Draw length: The distance from the bow grip to the bowstring when it’s fully drawn back.
- Axle-to-axle length: The length of the bow from one cam to the other.
- Let-off: The percentage of the draw weight that is reduced at full draw.
- Brace height: The distance between the bowstring and the grip of the bow.
- Cam system: The type of cam system will affect the bow’s performance, speed, and smoothness.
- Bow weight: The total weight of the bow, including accessories.
- Quality of materials: Look for bows made of high-quality materials, such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and high-grade woods.
- Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and their track record of producing quality bows.
- Price: Compound bows can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, so determine your budget before making a purchase.
Top 5 Best Selling Compound Bows
- Unmatched Performance: The Bear Adapt 2 hunting and archery bow features a reliable single cam system capable of speeds up to 320 feet per second, ensuring you can quickly and accurately take your...
- Straightforward Adjustments: With a draw length range of 24" to 31" and poundage options from 45 to 60 and 55 to 70 pounds, the Adapt 2 hunting bow for adults and youth is perfectly suited for a...
- Silent Operation: Enhanced with KillerWave limb dampeners, this versatile adult and youth bow operates with whisper-like stealth, ensuring your approach remains undetected and giving you the upper...
- Designed for Comfort & Control: Equipped with a Bear Paw Grip engineered for maximum comfort and repeatability, this youth and adult compound bow ensures that every draw feels instinctual and precise,...
- Fully Equipped to Hunt: Must-have hunting gear, this versatile adult and youth compound bow comes with essential bow hunting accessories: a IMS V-Biscuit rest, Picatinny-mounted 4 pin sight, 5-arrow...
- COLLABORATIVE DESIGN: A collaboration with The Hunting Public, The Adapt 2 showcases collective expertise and field-tested innovation
- PREMIUM RTH PACKAGE: Trophy Ridge SWFT DUO sight, VRSA Light Quiver, Hitman stabilizer with quick disconnect, IMS V-Biscuit rest, Radical peep sight, and wrist sling for the ultimate shooting...
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: Features a reliable single cam system capable of speeds up to 320 feet per second
- VERSATILE CUSTOMIZATION: Equipped with Integrate Mounting System rest and picatinny sight mounting positions
- ENHANCED COMFORT: Bear Paw Grip for maximum comfort and repeatability
- Unmatched Performance: The Bear Adapt 2 hunting and archery bow features a reliable single cam system capable of speeds up to 320 feet per second, ensuring you can quickly and accurately take your...
- Straightforward Adjustments: With a draw length range of 24" to 31" and poundage options from 45 to 60 and 55 to 70 pounds, the Adapt 2 hunting bow for adults and youth is perfectly suited for a...
- Silent Operation: Enhanced with KillerWave limb dampeners, this versatile adult and youth bow operates with whisper-like stealth, ensuring your approach remains undetected and giving you the upper...
- Designed for Comfort & Control: Equipped with a Bear Paw Grip engineered for maximum comfort and repeatability, this youth and adult compound bow ensures that every draw feels instinctual and precise,...
- Fully Equipped to Hunt: Must-have hunting gear, this versatile adult and youth compound bow comes with essential bow hunting accessories: a IMS V-Biscuit rest, Picatinny-mounted 4 pin sight, 5-arrow...
- 【World’s NO.1 Archery Kit Brand】 Sanlida's mission is to Build a Perfect World of Archery Recreation for All Mankind.
- 【Sanlida Flagship Top of the Line Hunting Compound Bow】 A specialized hunting compound bow for adults and professional archers.
- 【F2C from Manufacturer Business Model】 Sanlida Archery is the largest archery manufacturer in China with over 25 years’ history. Our Factory to Customer directly business model can guarantee...
- 【Complete Full Kit Design; Matched Suitably; More Accurate】This can guarantee that the archers will get the proper level and quality of accessories easily, and the bow kit will be more matched to...
- 【Kit Accessories】 New Dragon 10 compound bow package comes with an advanced 3-pin fiber optic sight for increased visibility in low light situations; a drop away arrow rest that rises on its own...
- PACKAGE - New Dragon 10 compound bow package comes with a advanced 3-pin sight, a drop away arrow rest, a stabilizer and a quiver. Complete full kit design, matched suitably, more accurate.
- CONSTRUCTION - Sanlida Dragon 10 hunting compound bow is designed with a front bridge and effective brace height, which provide the most stable and smooth shooting experience; Anti-slip rubber bow...
- APPLICABLE - The hunting bow cam adopts a hybrid wheel system, leading to increased accuracy. Optional and adjustable draw length and draw weight without needing a bow press. A specialized hunting...
- SPECIFICATIONS - Brace Height 6.4", Axle-to-Axle 33.5", Draw Weight 60-70lbs, Draw Length 27"-30"(Each 0.5" adjustment), IBO Speed 340 fps, Net Weight: 5 lbs, String Length 58.72" , Control Cable...
- 【Kit Accessories】 New Dragon 10 compound bow package comes with an advanced 3-pin fiber optic sight for increased visibility in low light situations; a drop away arrow rest that rises on its own...
Conclusion
So, when considering the purchase the best compound bows, aside from the cost of the bow, it is also important to keep in mind the five factors of the bow’s ATA or IBO arrow speed, the bow’s axle-to-axle length, the type of limbs it has, the type of cam system it has and, the overall weight of the bow.
That way, by taking into account all of these factors, you will be far more likely to choose a bow that you really like and will continue to shoot.
The five bows listed above really do represent the cream of the crop when it comes to inexpensive compound bows. Choosing one of them is perfect for a new archer.
If you go hunting with your new bow and shoot some game, why not grind and prepare your own meat? You can find our picks for top meat grinders here.

